The Australian Government released its Migration Strategy on 11 December 2023. The strategy outlines a new vision for Australia’s migration system, with a policy roadmap containing 8 key actions and over 25 new policy commitments and areas for future reform. This strategy is informed by extensive consultation with business, unions, and other stakeholders. A key component of the strategy is ensuring a sustainable international education sector, with a focus on integrity and quality.
The strategy seeks to harness the potential for international student graduates to make a strong contribution to Australia’s skills needs and economy. As for the impact on Nepalese students, the number of Nepali students migrating to Australia is likely to decrease due to strict document verification procedures. However, the strategy’s focus on integrity and quality in the international education sector could potentially lead to a better educational experience for those who do choose to study in Australia. The higher standards for international students and education providers to drive quality in international education include:
– Increased English language requirements to improve the quality of students’ educational experience in Australia and reduce potential workplace exploitation.
– Greater and more targeted scrutiny to student visa applications from high-risk providers.
– A bolstered student visa integrity unit in Home Affairs to reduce misuse of Australia’s student visa system.
– Strengthened requirements for international education providers.
– Restricting onshore visa hopping that undermines system integrity and drives ‘permanent temporariness’.
– Strengthened and simplified Temporary Graduate visas.
